Neil's Blog #59

Good morning from Lancaster! Today we have our monthly coffee mornings, made even more special as we host our very own version of the great British bake-off. Thank you to everyone taking part, who will win? Our guest judges, Cat Smith MP (Lancaster) and Lesley Metcalf (Lakeland – Kendal) will decide!

The pink theme has been abundant all week and our staff team were getting “pink” on Tuesday as part of our breast cancer awarenesscampaign. At the time this photograph was taken I was on the train, but joined in with a selfie!

This week We also visited the Ambleside Drop in Group to help put the finishing touches to their 25th Celebration Event taking place on Saturday 5th November. They are expecting over 100 special guests and friends, which is a remarkable tribute to the work of this loyal group.

This week we have all offered our newest staff member, our Lancaster Centre Administrator, Kate Parr, a warm welcome to the team. We enjoyed a great conversation together on Tuesday and I am sure she is going to be a fantastic asset to the team. Welcome Kate.

On Wednesday I attended a really useful meeting in Ulverston comprising of a number of community and health related organisations working across Furness. After a nightmare cross country (indeed off-road journey it felt like) back to Lancaster I had what has become a bi monthly catch up with Sue McGraw from St John’s Hospice.

The Welly Walk takes place this Saturday and it is good that although the Hospice are the primary beneficiaries of the event (after all, they are the organisers) it will benefit a large number of local organisations including of course, CancerCare. Thank you to the staff members and volunteers who are helping out. Alan and I are on coach marshalling duty, should be fun with over 4,000 walkers taking part.

On Thursday afternoon I was delighted to attend a local conference 'Beating ProstateCancer Sooner' held in Morecambe and supported by members of the Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group. This was a fascinating afternoon, looking into the importance of clinical trials and how support groups can offer all kinds of practical and emotional support. A great afternoon, thank you Den and Graham for inviting me along. To have Cancer Research UK, The Institute of Cancer Research ourselves, Rosemere and the fabulous Dr Alison Birtle all in the same room, on our home turf was a real achievement.